Essential Question

We Are Here: What does it mean to this immigrant group to be here in America?

Cultural Preservation: How does a person weave his or her traditional culture into a new American identity?

Words to look for

Muslim

mainstream

accommodations

fasting

Background Information

Somalis generally follow the Islamic religion, which has its own set of rules and practices its believers mus follow. Muslim people are supposed to avoid pork and alcohol, in addition to other foods that are not processed according to Islamic law. Women must dress modestly, including covering their hair with a headscarf. Each person should pray at five set times each day and fast from dawn to dusk during the holy month of Ramadan. It is sometimes difficult to follow these rituals while living in the U.S. However, as more and more Somalis have settled in Minnesota, there is a greater understanding and acceptance of Islamic practices.

To learn more about Somali history and culture, visit our Somali Community page.

Transcription

AW: Compare back when you first came and how hard it was to find a place to pray to now. Do you find that more people are aware of what you need to do and what it means to be Muslim now?

AA: Right, that’s a good question. Of course, when the Somalis started coming to Minnesota, many mainstream Minnesotans had not had much contact with Muslims, so the idea of prayer, of fasting, of not eating pork, the woman’s hijab, wearing the head cover or hijab, all this was totally new to many Minnesotans. However, as I said earlier, as we say, “Minnesota nice.” As I mentioned earlier they’re very welcoming and open to understanding and finding out why you are doing this or why you are requiring this. A lot of the schools, for example, the school system, the social services, many of the employers all began to ask about who these new immigrants are, and we’re able to explain to them why we are doing this and how important it is for us. Once they understood that, they provided accommodations. It’s much easier in some buildings and some places where they are many Muslims and many Somalis, and they provide a room where prayer can be performed. And the fasting, also they know about that, when it’s time to eat at the end of the day, they do have arrangements for people to take their break or take time off. All this has been quite positive. So, today, I believe many Minnesotans do know about Muslims. They do know about the requirements. They have been very helpful and very understanding and very accommodating. I’m very grateful for that.